James Melton - O Lola (Siciliana) from Cavalleria Rusticana

"O Lola" ("Siciliana") from Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana."

Sung by James Melton with the Victor Symphony Orchestra conducted by Wilfrid Pelletier. Recorded in April 1942 for RCA Victor.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• James
• Melton
• Lola
• Siciliana
• Cavalleria
• Rusticana
• Pietro
• Mascagni
• Italian
• Opera
• Aria
• American
• Tenor

[stevevandien]

Am I the only one who thinks Melton sounded somewhat like McCracken? Based at least on this record, Melton's voice seems somewhat fuller and rounder, but their timbres strike me as similar -- just my opinion:) --

[SheHadManHands]

Hmm I don't hear it at all. McCracken was dramatic and would completely bury Metlon but sound wise, Melton's sound in the late 50s when he was no longer in the limelight had darkened significantly. Even then, no, not at all. :D

[stevevandien]

Oh, duh on me -- I meant McCormack!  Of course Melton sounds nothing like McCracken --

[SheHadManHands]

OH, yes they sounded somewhat similar but I think McCormack was better.

[Joanie324627]

Wow! He's my father's uncle. My parents were divorced when I was very young and I never new my father but I see where I got my love of music and singing.

[paulostroff99]

Lovely singing! Bravo! TY.

[bigchloefan]

Loved him when I was a teen ager, still love him now that I'm old!

Thanks for posting this!

[FlyingTiger5]

OMFG - I wish my mom was still alive to see and hear this. She was the president of his fan club here in north Florida. (His family's still here.) I grew up seeing his handsome face and hearing his voice. I still have a t-shirt of hers, advertising the Classic Cars Museum in Hypoluxo, FL. That place has been gone for decades. I'm glad someone still remembers Jimmy - she'd be so proud!.

[AndresVera24]

Muy buena interpretacion ,interesante la orquestacion .

[Webarton]

Now this is GREAT singing.

[cben09]

Hi Joanie,,Jim was always bigger than life,,His car museum was in CT,,later moved to FL,,Just after the war Boston had an antique car show in the Old Armory,,and Jim FLEW [air freight] an old car up from Florida,,great publicity stunt at Logan Airport,,and was on the front page of the Boston Globe,,He came to the old car meet at both Framingham and Brookline,,and yes he had a beautiful memorable voice,,and was a fun person,,Watch for postcards of his cars on e/bay, Cheers,,Ben

[VMDICKS]

I have heard this countless times. This ranks among the very best in spite of its age. The clarity of the words and voice are special.